Colombia Forum

CynthiaER
Joined 2016
Posts: 121

5 years ago

Random questions

5 years ago

We will be moving to Manizales within the next month (or so) and I've been wondering about a few odds and ends of things. Hence the title of the post.

The first thing relates to cuts of meat and butchering generally. I'm aware that in different parts of the world the animal is cut up somewhat differently and the various bits have different names. What I'm curious about is others' experiences buying meat in Colombia. If I want some sort of roast, for example, what would I ask for? If I'm looking for something for a nice braise, or if I want something roughly equivalent to a NY strip or a rib eye, is the cow butchered in a way that will yield these cuts? If not, and I want to roast or braise or grill, what would I ask for? I expect I'll muddle along and ask and experiment, but I'm interested to know others' experiences.

Now for the randomness ... my next question relates to furniture and appliances. I'm trying to get a sense of what's available, style wise and price wise. So from here, I've looked at Home Center and Exito, but I imagine there are other options, like smaller, independent sellers. Here, for example, there's a great appliance store that sells scratch and dent appliances for much less than the MSRP because of the nearly unnoticeable imperfections. Is there anything like that in Manizales, Pereira, or Medellin? Just interested to hear about your experiences with buying furniture and appliances. We'll be arriving with clothes and a few books and things, so we'll need to get something to sleep on and something to sit on. Probably something for keeping food cold, and something for washing clothes. Since we'll be renting, I'm hoping that a stove will be part of the rental unit.

These feel like silly questions, but I just want to try to get a sense of how things are. My husband is from Manizales but has been here for quite a while and I'm wondering if things have changed since he lived there. He is remarkably relaxed about the idea of getting things done once we're there. Also, he doesn't cook, so one cut of meat versus, say, a paperback book is nearly meaningless to him. Although he would prefer to eat the meat and not the book. So he doesn't have a wealth of information in that regard, and my MIL, although a dear person, is an indifferent cook and therefore not a font of information.

Any thoughts, experiences, ideas will be much appreciated! Also, anyone in Manizales, Pereira, or nearby who would be interested in getting together, please PM so we can stay in touch and set something up once we've arrived.

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Living in Colombia Guide

Expats in Colombia discuss the pros and cons of living in Colombia. From the Colombian people to driving to taxes and more. As challenging as it can be, expats in Colombia clearly find that there is a lot to love about a country that is a surprising expat hot spot.

Colombia Forum
Join our Colombia forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Colombia.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.

Best Places to Live in Colombia

If you're considering a move to Colombia, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Colombia in 2023.

Healthcare in Colombia

Our guide to healthcare in Colombia covers public and private healthcare in Colombia, hospitals, vaccinations, prescription medications and more.

Cost of Living in Colombia

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Colombia.

Moving to Colombia Guide

With its bustling cities, beautiful beaches and friendly Colombians, Colombia is an increasingly popular destination for expats of all ages. Expats in Colombia offer insightful tips for those moving to Colombia.

Real Estate in Colombia

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Colombia.

Pros & Cons of Living in Colombia

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Colombia.

Retiring in Colombia

Advice for people retiring in Colombia.

10 Tips for Living in Colombia

If you've recently arrived in Colombia, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Colombia.

Additional Information:

Visit our Colombia Index for a Full List

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Colombia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.